Joseph M. Gearica

Joseph Miles Gearica, 68, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 27^th with family at his side.  He was preceded in death by his parents John J Gearica and Carole Ann Gearica (nee Milstreich), his grandmothers Frieda Milstreich (nee Powels) and Mary Gearica.  He was greeted in heaven by his son, Mark Joseph Gearica and in laws Hugh and Marion Boettner.

Celebrating his life is his wife of 44 years, Susan Lynn Gearica (nee Boettner), and their children: Julie (Jason) Denny, Amy (Tim) Kelly, and Lynn Wingard along with grandchildren Ryne and Reece Denny, Conner, Madelyn, and Scarlett Kelly, and McKoy and Emerson Wingard.  Additional family members including Brian Blomquist, Bill and Sharon Boettner, Rich and Jan Kolb, Ron and Karleen Boettner, nieces, nephews, god-sons, and friends. 

Joe loved to sing, harmonizing with any song he sang or came on the radio and in the choir.  He also loved to bowl, “2-step Gearica”, once holding the highest series right-handed bowler in Lake County title.  Joe bowled at Bertrand Lanes in Waukegan since he was 6 and worked there for decades.  Joe was a structural engineer by trade and last worked at Regol Steel. 

After church and faith, family was most important to Joe, especially his grandchildren.  As a dad, he cared for his children, played with them, coached them, and followed them to every recital, game, graduation, and celebration. 

Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia took over in his later years, fighting every step of the way.  Despite progression of the diseases, Joe continued to want to help people.  Donations in his name can be sent to Joy! Lutheran Church PDF Fund, Public Aid to Defend Shelter (PADS), or COOL Food Pantry.  Well done good and faithful servant.

Visitation will be Friday, January 6^th from 4-8pm at Warren Cemetery Funeral Home, 1475 N Cemetery Rd. (located on the northside of the intersection of Tri-State Parkway and Cemetery Rd.), Gurnee, IL  60031.  Funeral service will be at 10am, Saturday, January 7^th at Joy! Lutheran Church, 749 S Hunt Club Rd, Gurnee, IL  60031, followed by interment at Warren Cemetery.